How to escape the bullying web

1 Do not respond. Responding will make these bullies feel superior and more entitled to ruin you. Print-screen the hateful comments. Use the “report abuse” button and block them, and delete them from your contacts. If it’s through text, have that number blocked. Once you’ve ignored them, you’ve shown them they can’t touch you.

2 Talk to someone, whoever it might be. You are not weak for telling them, and they will help you deal with it. You can also talk to a counselor. Try contacting one of these centers to get advice on how to deal with cyber-bullies:

Center for Family Ministries Foundation, Seminary Drive, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City; or Don Bosco Paris, Arnaiz Avenue corner Amorsolo Street, Makati City. Call 4264289 to 92, or 8431081.

Family and Pastoral Counselling Association of the Philippines Inc.,  Unit 313, Llanar Building, 77 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Call  7034593.

3 For parents, always be alert. If your kid is more sullen than usual, or if grades are slipping, make him or her feel appreciated and loved, and create an environment where they will be comfortable enough to tell you what’s going on. Never brush it off, but never force kids to open up, either. And never leave it to the teachers to deal with the problem themselves. Alert the school, or the authorities, as necessary, and focus on helping your kid deal with the bullying and moving forward from it.

4 Help catch the bullies. If you know someone who’s being bullied, don’t be afraid to help him or her out. Print screen comments and save hateful messages that get passed on to you. Tell your parents and authorities, so they can help, too. Doing nothing is just as bad as being the bully.